While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to each other, and our neighbors. Watch these stories of faith in the everyday lives of Mormons. You can also meet Mormons here.

Our faith influences nearly every aspect of our lives. Beyond simply believing in Jesus Christ, we try to bring His teachings to life at home, at work and in our communities. Here are a few of the cultural priorities embraced by members of the Church around the world.

We are all spiritual children of a loving
Heavenly Father who sent us to this earth to learn and grow in a mortal state. As Mormons,
we are followers of Jesus Christ. We live our lives
to serve Him and teach of His eternal plan for each of us.

Find a Church

Hi I'm Lynness

I'm an RN, but right now I'm a stay-at-home mom of 4. I live in Virginia and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up mostly in Virginia, went to BYU and got a degree in Nursing. I met my husband there and brought him back home and we have 4 children (so far).
I stay at home with my kids right now, but I plan to get my Master's eventually and teach Nursing. I love to teach, but not ABC's, etc.- more like anatomy and biology and that sort of thing. I also teach beginning piano to a handful of students.
I like to decorate cakes, I try to grow vegetables, I know some ASL and have interpreted at church (though not lately, so I'm rusty), I love words and etymology, I sing a bit, draw a bit, bake a fair amount, and eat it all! I like to try my hand at sewing, scrapbooking, and home-repair and decorating. I consider myself a nerd because my favorite thing to do is READ.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised Mormon. I think I needed that, because I probably would've shooed away any missionaries without giving them a chance. I often hear people say, "I don't know where I'd be without the church." It's cliched, but true. I can't imagine life without the Gospel- well, I can imagine life, but not ME without the Gospel- it's so interwoven into the fabric of my character.
There are things I don't know or understand, but this is an all-or-nothing deal: my assurance in other areas allows me to have faith that those things on which I am not as solid are also true and good. Let me share with you one of those areas: I know, through experience upon experience, that God answers prayers. For problems and questions big and small, stupid or profound, He cares enough about me and you to answer in a way we will understand if we are open to it.
Heavenly Father knows us so well! He has a grand plan for all of us to return to be with Him and like Him, but His plan is also very individualized: perfectly tailored to help us become what He knows we can become. I know that I am a better person when I follow His plan and His Son. Being active in the church keeps me on the right path, strengthens my determination to be better than I am, and gives me a support group and safe harbor.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

There are many ways my Father in Heaven has answered my prayers and directed my life, but one experience in particular stands out as being particularly swift, meaningful and personal. My human problems seemed overwhelming one day and so I took my scriptures and lost myself in a canyon and read and meditated and talked things over with Him. My answer came as I read the scriptures a verse jumped out at me and I knew by the Holy Spirit how to apply what it said to me. My response? "Thanks, but that wasn't the question." But as I went home and continued thinking and writing about what that answer would mean for me, I was given additional revelation about my life: part of the reason for the earlier answer was included in this one- that I would be married by this time next year. A couple of months later, I met my husband-to-be, we were engaged early the following year and were on our honeymoon by the time that year mark was reached.

How I live my faith

I love that members of the Church are expected to serve. There's nothing to help you feel that you are needed and to get to know people than to do something for them! I started serving in the church as a 'tween' when I played hymns for our Young Women's (12-18yrs) group. I had taken lessons for about 4 years, but had never played with people singing! Well, guess what- I learned! That's another benefit of participation, and I've loved being able to play at church ever since.
A couple of years ago I taught an early-morning (6am) scripture study class to high school aged students. The early mornings got to me a bit, even though I am a morning person (I had a 6 month old and was still up a lot at night), but I loved teaching the Old and New Testaments!! School ended in June and so did the class. I had baby #3 at the end of summer and we sold our house. Unsure of whether we would be around, I wasn't given a new assignment for a few months. We found a house in the same area, and I was glad to have some way to serve again when I was then called to organize regular activities for our women's organization.
The church is involved in almost every facet of my life, from grocery shopping and cooking to raising kids. I love the programs that are designed to support my efforts as a parent, like Family Home Evening. We love to gather and sing and play games and learn about the Gospel. This doesn't mean it always goes smoothly, but everyone looks forward to FHE on Monday nights.
The activities in our women's organization (the ones I get to plan for now) also help us as women become who we need to be, from fitness to scripture study to gardening to communication to crafts to emergency preparedness to finances, I can continue to learn and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between attending church and the temple?

Church services are held weekly on Sundays and are open to all. There are classes for all age groups and experience levels. These services help us to strengthen one another and worship. The temple also strengthens us and allows us to worship, but only those who have prepared themselves and have verified to their leaders that they are trying to live as taught at church are allowed to enter. This is because the temple is the House of the Lord, a sacred place where we can leave the world behind for a few hours and focus on our Father's plan for us. It is said that in the Church, all roads lead to the temple. Ideally, all those who join us at our church services will prepare themselves to join us in the temples too.
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We go to church weekly to worship and take the sacrament, which is like communion. Everyone, no matter their faith, is welcome to come to church services and learn more about the Gospel.
The temple is a special place where members make further promises to Heavenly Father that they will keep his commandments. It is also where we are married, or sealed together, and where we can be baptized and sealed for our family members who have died before having those opportunities in life.
To go to the temple you need a card called a temple reccomend from your church leaders that confirms that you are currently doing your best to follow Christ and His Gospel as a member of the Church.
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What is the First Vision?

in the early 1800s, Joseph Smith was 14, and he wanted to know what church he should join. He read in the bible: if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. he needed to find out for himself , and so he went to a nearby grove of trees to pray. in answer to his prayer, Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. they told him that he should join none of the churches, but in time the fullness of the gospel would be restored to the earth. what a miraculous experience! the heavens are open again, the priesthood has been restored, and it all started in that small grove of trees in upstate New York...
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